Gyrocopter crashes off JBR

A pilot was taken to hospital after a gyrocopter crashed into the sea at the FAI World Air Games in Dubai on Wednesday.

A gyrocopter flies over Dubai during the World Air Games 2015 on December 9. Witnesses said a gyrocopter crashed into the sea off JBR on Wednesday. Karim Sahib / AFP Photo
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DUBAI // A pilot was taken to hospital after a gyrocopter crashed into the sea at the FAI World Air Games in Dubai on Wednesday.

The Federation Aeronautique Internationale said the extent of the pilot’s injuries were not known after the crash, which happened about 2.30pm off Jumeirah Beach Residence.

“The pilot has been taken to hospital for medical care,” said a statement on the group’s website. “For unknown reasons the gyrocopter fell into the water at Skydive Dubai Palm Dropzone.”

David Hammond saw the micro-helicopter crash.

“I saw a gyrocopter go straight into the sea. I couldn’t see who it belonged to but thankfully emergency services were there within minutes to the rescue,” he said. “There were four coastguard boats and air ambulance on location immediately.”

The FAI said it would contact the pilot’s family.

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